Legal Aid Service.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2004

Tuesday, 14 December 2004

Questions (305)

Paul McGrath

Question:

327 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the private practitioner scheme emergency legal representation has been abolished with regard to the Legal Aid Board; if so, when the scheme was abolished with regard to the Legal Aid Board; in view of the current waiting lists in various legal aid authorities, the measures he has put in place to assist those on low incomes represent themselves adequately in emergency court appearances such as interim maintenance and custody hearings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33334/04]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The private practitioner's scheme, operated by the Legal Aid Board to supplement the service provided by the board from its law centre network, has not been abolished and is still in operation.

In relation to improving the service to clients of the Legal Aid Board, I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that I have allocated a total of €21.362 million to the board for the civil legal aid scheme for 2005, an increase of 16% over its allocation of €18.388 million for 2004. This increased allocation should result in a reduction in waiting times at law centres and an improved service to the board's clients.